Belfast Harbour Police, one of the British Isles’ oldest police force, has become the latest to invest in crime prevention qualifications for their staff, with them undertaking the Level 3 Introduction to Crime Prevention qualification delivered by the Police Crime Prevention Academy.
Established in 1847, the Belfast Harbour Police (BHP) is one of the oldest police forces in the British Isles and has a long and proud history creating a safe and secure environment for all those who work, live or socialise within Belfast Harbour Estate, as well as the provision of policing and security to shipping and maritime assets in Belfast Harbour.
Officers provide 24-hour, 365 response cover to incidents and requests for assistance throughout the 2,000 acre Harbour Estate – an area which equates to one fifth of the size of the City of Belfast. The diverse range of policing requirements and associated crime prevention issues include the commercial port, leading tourist attractions, mixed-use urban regeneration projects and major outdoor events as well as the arrival of 150 cruise ships a year.
Speaking on behalf of the Academy, the Head of Learning and Development Guy Collyer, said: “There can be a misconception that only the main territorial police services have a responsibility to prevent crime. It is in fact, a duty for us all.
“Belfast Harbour Police and others are leading the way in getting their staff qualified to prevent crime within the areas where they have a responsibility”.
Chief Officer Michael Daly from the Belfast Harbour Police, said: “In addition to handling 70% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade, Belfast Harbour is also home to a diverse community that includes 760 tenants providing 27,000 jobs. The Harbour Estate is also home to Belfast’s leading tourist attractions, mixed-use urban regeneration projects and major outdoor events.
“Last year we facilitated five million visits to Belfast Harbour and as we become ever more integrated with the rest of Belfast city centre, policing will continue to evolve. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone and supporting our customers and tenants.”
The Level 3 Introduction to Crime Prevention Award supports officers in the provision of appropriate general crime prevention advice to local communities. It also equips officers with the knowledge and skills that enable them to undertake a structured approach to conducting a site security survey and making suitable recommendations, including suitable security products.
The Level 3 Award can be dovetailed into CPD for officers and staff, as well as providing a stepping-stone to the specialist qualification of the Level 4 Certificate in Crime Prevention for Practitioners.
After assuming responsibility from the College of Policing for the running of crime prevention and designing out crime courses in the UK, the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) Crime Prevention Academy has been delivering a new nationally recognised generation of ProQual approved and OFQUAL accredited qualifications in crime prevention and designing out crime since September 2018.
All qualifications are available for Police, Local Authorities, Security Staff and others with an interest in building security such as Fire, Architects and Planners. The qualifications are also available and relevant to the private sector, be it business, retail or industrial settings.
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